Third Year Projects

Digital Audio Effects - Game Audio - Music Information Retrieval - Live Sound Reinforcement 2

Digital Audio Effects

This module built further on previous ones such as DSP, further developing skills in signal processing and audio manipulation using MATLAB.

Two audio plugins were to be made here, one a prototype in MATLAB, and one a functioning plugin using the JUCE C++ framework.

The first algorithm developed was for compression. This worked using an RMS envelope to track the transitions needed for attack, release and hold to kick in. It would then apply the appropriate compression based on user inputted values.

The next plugin to be designed was an 7-band EQ plugin, first prototyped on MATLAB and then built out into JUCE with C++. This worked by taking individual coefficients for each different type of filter and running them through the same functions, so one IIR filter function could be used to obtain the appropriate coefficients and perform all filters itself. 

Grade Acheived - 79%

Music Interface Retrieval - MIR

In this module MIR methods and techniques are studied, looking at how machine learning & DSP has developed within the sector. Different topics are covered, such as Rhythm and metre analysis, automatic music transcription, pitch detection, genre classification, timbre analysis, score following and music recommendation. 

The main coursework for this module involves creating a ML algorithm using python for either classification or beat detection, however this is still in progress.

Grade Acheived - In Progress

Game Audio

In this module, game audio is explored, looking at implementing sounds into a game utilising Unity and FMOD.

This involves all stages of the audio implementation process, from sound creation, to FMOD implementation, to Unity programming.

A focus is put onto dynamic or adaptive aspects, such as music, dialogue, footsteps and reverb.

A prototype has been developed so far, as seen in this video below. The full version is yet to be completed.

Grade Achieved - In Progress

Live Sound Reinforcement 2

Here, the first live sound module was built upon, learning about and implementing more intricate audio setups and networking.

A large group system setup was done, in which I was allocated the role of stage manager. This involved me doing all of the general forms such as equipment lists and risk assessments, time keeping ensuring the performance happened on time, helping out with all of the other roles where required.

Additionally, a presentation was made creating a stage plan and system setup for a band in a 15k capacity venue. This required a range of content such as creating the venue in d&b Arraycalc and designing appropriate PA systems with full coverage and appropriate delay, creating network flow systems and plots, calculating power requirements & power plots.

Grade Achieved - 81%